UK weather forecast: Anniversary weekend in jeopardy as rain pours into ‘all areas’ next week

The Met Office has said the weather outlook for late next week during the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations is unclear and there could be a washout across the country

Brits looking forward to an extended bank holiday weekend for the Queen’s platinum jubilee could face a washout and colder temperatures.

The Met Office forecast, which predicts the weather next week, says sunshine is a possibility when there is high pressure in the west of the country, coming off the Atlantic as it’s still early to be sure of what will happen.

But if a low over the Azores looms, it will likely bring showers across the country, with Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern calling it a “loose gun”.

The UK will enjoy a four day Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the throne.

Events are being planned across the country to mark this historic occasion.

Mr McGivern said colder and rainy weather will move in from Sunday and then be quite unsettled and unpredictable by the end of the week.

“The trend towards more unsettled weather continues later on Sunday as low pressure over Scandinavia begins to force its way west and spill into the North Sea, with plenty of cloud and some rain that may affect the North Sea coast and parts of eastern England , parts of eastern Scotland on Monday,” said the meteorologist.

“The driest and brightest weather will be in the west again, and that’s closer to high pressure. Sunny periods and a comfortable feeling in the sunshine, but always a chance of a shower in the west.

“More likely we will see showers in the east along with this brisk wind that feels on the cool side, temperatures are falling day by day and nighttime temperatures will also drop so some chilly nights to come, Sunday night, Monday night, Tuesday night, for example.”

Then there is an unusual weather system with a low pressure over the Azores and a high pressure over Iceland, meaning the jet stream is weaker and the systems are more random.

The low system is like a “loose cannon that meanders around quite haphazardly, making it difficult to predict its behavior,” Mr. McGivern said.

How much rain will fall over the four-day weekend is uncertain.

“Some computer models are suggesting the low will be heading towards us from the Southwest late next week to bring widespread showers and outbreaks of rain from the Southwest,” Mr McGivern said.

“Higher pressure towards the northwest, lower pressure towards the east, but other computer models suggest we keep higher pressure to the west and lower pressure to the east.”

Meanwhile, there’s a clear north-south gradient for today, with sun and warm temperatures in the south, with the mercury rising to 21C.

But there is wind and rain for Scotland with lows of 11C.

UK forecast for the next 5 days

Showers in northern Scotland but dry elsewhere.

Today:

Many southern and central areas will have plenty of sunshine and lighter winds, meaning it should feel reasonably warm by mid-afternoon. Northern Scotland will see sunny intervals and scattered heavy showers with winds slowly easing.

This evening:

Showers dying away from far north east Scotland with slacking winds. Good clear spells for most, leading to a chilly night with maybe a few wisps of mist to the west.

Saturday:

A fine, dry and sunny day for most, feeling warm with sunshine and light winds. Cooler in the east with onshore wind and isolated light showers possible.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Cold start for many western and southwestern areas, Sunday. Clouds and showers already affecting the northeast will spread to all areas and continue through Monday and Tuesday. Rather cool, or cool.